New Career Directions for Veterans

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Over the long term, America’s military veterans tend to have an advantage over their non-veteran counterparts in the U.S. job market. In fact, employment data indicates that veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces largely experience lower rates of unemployment over the course of their entire working lives than those in the general population. Even though the initial transition to civilian employment can be difficult, most industries prize the skills learned through military service, including dedication, perseverance, and advanced technical abilities.

As a veteran, one of the top priorities in switching from military to civilian life is finding gainful employment without jeopardizing your finances. One route is to obtain an added degree or certification

Financing A Second Career

As a veteran, one of the top priorities in switching from military to civilian life is finding gainful employment without jeopardizing your finances. One route is to obtain an added degree or certification: thanks to the GI Bill, many government schemes will fund educational expenses to former servicemen so that they can obtain further schooling. Veterans are also often eligible for specialized service loans that can help fund the expenses of launching a new enterprise or paying living expenses before gaining full-time employment.

Skilled Trades In The Tech Sector

According to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 5 million jobs in information technology are expected to be added globally by 2027. Many vets can apply the skills they gained serving their country to a career in tech, such as working as a solar panel technician or aircraft mechanic. There is also a growing demand for workers in transportation, which range from delivery driving to controlling air traffic.

For veterans interested in cybersecurity, careers in information analysis protect against cyber attacks and other threats to the infrastructure of an organization. Many tech-based military roles are rooted in similar principles of digital security, which gives veterans an edge over other competitors on the market. In fact, the Department of Homeland Security offers free cybersecurity training for veterans, which enables a quicker elevation into careers for the federal government.

Healthcare Opportunities

Careers in healthcare are especially applicable to veterans who worked in infirmaries or health-related positions tending to soldiers wounded on the job. Naturally, a career in healthcare requires added education, but even veterans with no prior background in healthcare can obtain a degree in two years or less.

The U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps each offer employment opportunities for veteran healthcare professionals to work as civilians upon retirement from their military service. Veterans often benefit from working for the Department of Defense in a civilian capacity, as the atmosphere is thought to enable a smoother transition into the workplace surrounded by fellow veterans for team-building.

Veterans can build upon their technical skills gained in the military, but they can also start a new career altogether. Regardless of the duration of time since active service, the skills gained through serving in the military enable a wide set of prospective careers based on technical superiority and interest. Even if the process of finding gainful employment is at times slow, the opportunities for veterans looking to expand into a new career are practically limitless.

Whether you’re moving from a military desk job or an infantry position, your military career has provided you with a strong foundation to transition back to life as a civilian. Use the available resources to help consolidate your hard work into a well-deserved civilian position.